Holy Trinity, Bath

Morning Worship - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Readings: Isaiah 55

Acts 2.1-18

Morning Worship - Grace Turner

Grace Turner — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Morning Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Morning Worship - Simon Stuart

Simon Stuart — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Special Focus - guest speaker Simon Stuart ... 'The Earth is the Lord's and everything in it"

Evening Worship - Joel Sales

Joel Sales — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 19:00:00 GMT

The Holy Spirit and ... - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 31 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Evening Worship - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:00:00 GMT

The Holy Spirit and ... - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 17 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

The Holy Spirit and ... - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 17 May 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Healing and Wholeness Part 1 - Keith Powell & Nigel Rawlinson

Keith Powell & Nigel Rawlinson — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Spiritual health and the need to look after ourselves

"Beating the Opposition"

Spiritual warfare - the reality of the battle

The Holy Spirit and ... - Matthew Street

Matthew Street — Sun, 10 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

The Holy Spirit and ... - Matthew Street

Matthew Street — Sun, 10 May 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Holy Spirit and ... - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 03 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Evening Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 03 May 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Healing & Wholeness Part I - Keith Powell & Nigel Rawlinson

Keith Powell & Nigel Rawlinson — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Healing of hurts and memories

Physical Healing

Healing & Wholeness Part II - Keith Powell & Nigel Rawlinson

Keith Powell & Nigel Rawlinson — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Healing of hurts and memories

Physical healing

Annual Parochial Church Meeting - Catherine Vaughan & James Norman

Catherine Vaughan & James Norman — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Focus on Foxhill

Healing & Wholeness Part II - Keith Powell & Nigel Rawlinson

Keith Powell & Nigel Rawlinson — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Biblical Foundations

The New Testament evidence

Models of practice

Healing & Wholeness Part I - Keith Powell & Nigel Rawlinson

Keith Powell & Nigel Rawlinson — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Biblical Foundations

The New Testament evidence

Models of practice

Morning Worship - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 09:00:00 GMT

What the Resurrection of Jesus means to me

Evening Worship - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Morning Worship - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

1 Cor.2.9 The love of God in the future

Evening Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:30:00 GMT

The Pharisee and the Publican

Morning Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

1 John 3.1 The love of God for the fatherless

Morning Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

1 John 4.9-10 The love of God in the Cross

Evening Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:30:00 GMT

The Party Parables - The Great Banquet & The Prodigal Son

Morning Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Hosea 11 The love of God for the unfaithful

Evening Worship - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 18:30:00 GMT

The Mustard Seed, the Yeast, the Narrow Door

Morning Worship - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Jeremiah 24.7 The Love of God for the Human Heart

Evening Worship - Valentine Inglis-Jones

Valentine Inglis-Jones — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Morning Worship - Valentine Inglis-Jones

Valentine Inglis-Jones — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Rom.5.8 The Love of GOd for the Unlovely

Evening Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:30:00 GMT

The Friend in Need & The Rich Fool

Morning Worship - Catherine Vaughan

Catherine Vaughan — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Exodus 34.6 Love the defining mark of God's nature

Evening Worship - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:30:00 GMT

The Good Samaritan

Morning Worship - Valentine Inglis-Jones

Valentine Inglis-Jones — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Satan Masquerades as an Angel of Light

Readings: 2 Cor. 11.12-15 and 2 Cor. 12. 7-10

Morning Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

2 Cor. 10. 1-6

Demolishing Strongholds

Evening Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 18:30:00 GMT

The Unforgiving Servant

Morning Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:00:00 GMT

2 Cor.12.7-12 Strength Weakness, Signs & Wonders

Evening Worship - Valentine Inglis Jones

Valentine Inglis Jones — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Morning Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:00:00 GMT

2 Cor. 8 & 9 Principles of Christian Giving

It would be helpful if Church Family could bring Giving Booklet given out in December. Copies will also be available in Church.

During the Service reaffirmation of Baptism - Vicky Strang

Morning Worship - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Sowing generously - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Sowing Generously - 2 Cor. 9.6-15

Though he was rich - Valentine Inglis Jones

Valentine Inglis Jones — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 09:00:00 GMT

2 Cor. 8.1-9.5

New Wine Networks - John Coles

John Coles — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:00:00 GMT

John Coles, Leader - New Wine Networks

Prayer and worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:30:00 GMT

Ladies Breakfast Spa - Ann Coles

Ann Coles — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT

2 Cor. 7.2-16 The nitty gritty of Church family life - Grace Turner

Grace Turner — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT

2 Cor 7.2-16 The nitty gritty of Church family life

Luke 29. 39-46 Jesus - Valentine Inglis Jones

Valentine Inglis Jones — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:30:00 GMT

Luke 29. 39-46 Jesus

Neh.1.1-2.9 Nehemiah - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:30:00 GMT

Neh.1.1-2.9 Nehemiah

Eph.3.14-21 Paul - Valentine Inglis-Jones

Valentine Inglis-Jones — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:30:00 GMT

Eph.3.14-21 Paul

Evening Worship - Valentine Inglis-Jones

Valentine Inglis-Jones — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 19:00:00 GMT

2 Kings 19.14-19 & 20.1-7 Hezekiah

Evening Worship - Valentine Inglis-Jones

Valentine Inglis-Jones — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Psalm 139 David

Evening Worship - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Eph.2v22 'you too are being built together'

Evening Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Eph 4v3 'make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit'

Evening Worship - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 18 May 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Evening Worship - Valentine Inglis-Jones

Valentine Inglis-Jones — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Eph 2:13

Evening Worship with Holy Communion - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 04 May 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Eph. 2:6 '..seated us with Him'

Evening Worship - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Eph.1:13 'marked in Him with a seal'

Evening Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:00:00 GMT

With Holy Communion

Evening Worship - Stephen Williams

Stephen Williams — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Road to Emmaus

Holy Communion - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT

Palm Sunday

Prayer and Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Evening Worship - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Evening Worship - Valentine Inglis Jones

Valentine Inglis Jones — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Graciousness

Evening Worship - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Evening Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:30:00 GMT

Evening Worship - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 19:30:00 GMT

Worship - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:30:00 GMT

Evening Worship - Catherine Vaughan

Catherine Vaughan — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 19:30:00 GMT

Follow up to Jesus Ministry - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 10:30:00 GMT

Evening Worship - Valentine Inglis Jones

Valentine Inglis Jones — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 19:30:00 GMT

Follow up to Jesus Ministry - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 10:30:00 GMT

Evening Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 19:30:00 GMT

Evening Worship - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 19:30:00 GMT

Holy Trinity, Combe Down – Evening Worship Preaching Series, Autumn 2007
The Divine / Human Cooperative
(Paul Langham 7 October 2007)

MOSES & THE RED SEA (Exodus 14. 1 – 31)

• Note the promise of God – general, not specific (1 – 4)
• ‘the Israelites … were marching out boldly’ (8) – easy when all is well!
• Pursuit and imminent capture
• ‘the Israelites looked up and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified …’
• note the panic in their voices as they slam Moses as the lousiest leader in the game! (11, 12)
• Moses responds with ‘blind’ faith (13, 14), but doesn’t act
• God tells Moses to have the people ‘move on’, to extend his arm over the sea ‘to divide the water’ (15 – 18)
• Note – it is God who actually divides the water, & the Israelites go through on dry ground

Lesson – sometimes we need to keep going on the general promise and wait for God to open up specific fulfilment

GIDEON (Judges 6 & 7)

• Israel in despair and ruin (6. 1 – 6)
• A prophet helpfully explains why! (6. 7 – 10)
• An angel comes to enlist Gideon in God’s plan of deliverance (6. 11 – 24)
• [reading what follows, you’re tempted to wonder why he bothers!]
• Gideon test-drives obedience (6. 25 – 32; cf Nicodemus)
• This prepares him for the real deal, although he’s still cautious (6. 33 – 40)
• Gideon wins victory, through an ever-increasing trial of nerve by the LORD (7)
• NB – no reason for choosing those men who lapped water! Just because God says!
• Note the numerical disadvantage (7. 12)
• The word of the Lord through a dream & interpretation (7. 13 – 15)
• Note Gideon’s human skill, to convey the sense of a greater number (7. 16 – 25)

Lesson – learning the Divine / Human cooperative is a matter of practice

DANIEL in prayer (Daniel 9. 1 – 19; cf Jeremiah 25. 11 – 12; 29. 1 – 14)

• Daniel studies God’s Word (9. 2) – Jer 25 & 29 (how can we expect God to speak if we are not familiarising ourselves with the general shape and texture of his character and interaction with humankind?
Daniel doesn’t simply sit back and wait for fulfilment
• He actively engages in cooperation with the prophetic word to see it fulfilled – do we?

Lesson – it’s not enough to ‘have a word’; we have to walk it into life

JESUS – only doing what the Father says? (John 5. 16 – 30)

• An astonishing ‘truth’ – ‘the Son can do nothing by himself’ (19)
• The Divine / Human cooperative at work in salvation (24 – 30)

Lesson – if that was true for Jesus, how much more so for us?!
PETER & THE CRIPPLED MAN (Acts 3. 1 – 16)

• Peter & John had spiritual discipline (1) – ie they were regularly practising the presence of God
• What made Peter & John look ‘straight at him’? A word of knowledge? (he was unlikely to have been the only beggar there)
• Peter speaks the word of healing and then acts on it, pulling the man to his feet – note it is only at this point that the healing occurs (7)
• Note the impact upon the man healed and the crowds around
• Peter & john avoid the pitfall of accepting the plaudits (12. 16)

Lesson – sometimes we need to take a real risk of failure or embarrassment in order to see the Lord move in power

PAUL & the vision (Acts 16. 6 – 10)

• Holy Spirit guidance can be ‘negative’ as well as positive (6, 7) – twice the Holy Spirit prevents them from doing what seemed humanly good and wise (what mechanism might He have used?)
• This must have given Paul & his companions a heightened sense of expectancy that the Lord was going to guide positively (rather than giving in to frustration?)
• So when the guidance comes through a dream, they are ‘ready at once’ (10)

Lesson – sometimes the Lord will block paths which might seem good to us; when He does, it is usually a sign that He is preparing to speak a positive prophetic word to us (although there may be other reasons, including unconfessed sin)

CONCLUSION

• What do all the above characters have in common?
• Prior knowledge of the power of God

FOR FURTHER THOUGHT

1 Are you stalled in your Christian walk because you are waiting for some more specific guarantee than the Lord seems to have given to date? If so, consider the experience of Moses.
2 Do you worry that you have little or no experience of hearing the LORD speak and responding in obedience? If so, take comfort from the example of Gideon – God can be patient too, with those whose hearts want to obey Him.
3 Are you sitting back, just waiting for some wonderful word spoken over you / your church to come rolling in? If so, join Daniel in fervent prayer which includes repentance.
4 Do you need to take a risk this week in order to obey the word of the Lord to you? If so, take courage from the example of Peter.
5 Does it seem that the LORD is blocking a path which seemed to you well fitting with his general will? If so, and there is nothing else (such as unconfessed sin) blocking the way, prepare for the LORD to speak a new, positive word which opens up some previously unimagined field of service for Him.
6 Do you long to be like Jesus – acknowledging that you can’t do anything on your own, but fully relaxed about that because the Father tells you everything you need to do and say anyway? The only way is to seek grace to empty self and allow Him to flood us by his Holy Spirit.

Peter - Fear of Man (Galatians 2:1-16) - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:00:00 GMT

Paul - Suffering (2 Corinthians 6:3-13) - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 19:00:00 GMT

Nicodemus - Religious Self-sufficency (John 3:1-21) - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 19:00:00 GMT

Zacchaeus - Greed (Luke 19:1-10) - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 19:00:00 GMT

Woman caught in adultery - Shame (John 8:1 - 11) - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 19:00:00 GMT

Streams of Living Water - Don Carson

Don Carson — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 10:30:00 GMT

There is also a Cre8 Service at Monkton Combe Junior School this Sunday.

Naaman - Respectability (2 Kings 5) - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 19:00:00 GMT

The earth is the Lords and everything in it (Psalm 24:1) - Dave Bookless

Dave Bookless — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 10:30:00 GMT

Nehemiah & Ezra - Spirtual Transformation (Part 3) - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 10:30:00 GMT

Nehemiah & Ezra - Spirtual Transformation (Part 2) - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 10:30:00 GMT

Nehemiah & Ezra - Spirtual Transformation (Part 1) - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 10:30:00 GMT

Paul's third Missionary journey (Acts 19 - 23) - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 19:00:00 GMT

^{The reading for the service was Joel 2:1-11.}

Religion or Gospel? The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 19:00:00 GMT

...one another... - Jane Burgess

Jane Burgess — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 10:30:00 GMT

Vision Service and launch of the Rainbow Project - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 10:30:00 GMT

The birth of the Church - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 19:00:00 GMT

Where are you heading - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Relating to others - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Walking in freedom every day - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Forgiving from the heart - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Handling emotions well - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Hilary Latham

Hilary Latham — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Harvest focus on the work of iThemba - Jane Burgess

Jane Burgess — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 10:30:00 GMT

The battle for our minds - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Our daily choice - Jane Burgess

Jane Burgess — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 10:30:00 GMT

There will be no sermon notes this term for the 10.30 sermons. The sermons are based on the 'Freedom in Christ' material - books are available for all those church family members in a mid-week small group. If you are not in a small group, and would like to order a book, please contact the church office.

Hungry for God - Don Latham

Don Latham — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 19:00:00 GMT

The world's view of truth - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Paul Wakeley

Paul Wakeley — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Rosemary Kennedy

Rosemary Kennedy — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Who am I now - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Carl Beech

Carl Beech — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Where did I come from - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 10:30:00 GMT

There will be no sermon notes this term for the 10.30 sermons. The sermons are based on the 'Freedom in Christ' material - books will be available this Sunday in church for all those church family members in a mid-week small group. If you are not in a small group, and would like to order a book, please contact the church office.

Taking risks for God - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Reflections on Isaac - like Father like Son? - Andy Bissex, Bible Society

Andy Bissex, Bible Society — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 10:30:00 GMT

1. In what ways are you like your parents? In what ways are you different?
2. Do you think Abraham was right to give Isaac preferential treatment (Gen 25.5) – Note that Jacob did the same to Joseph – look at the trouble that caused!! Discuss the dangers of favouritism in families – what can we learn from the experience of Isaac / Jacob?
3. Both Isaac and Rebekah (in their early marriage anyway) were people of prayer. What part does prayer play in a healthy marriage? – is it important that families pray together? – discuss experiences if appropriate.
4. When have you prayed not to get ‘your will done’ but that ‘God’s will may be done’ – what were the results? (Hope this question makes sense!!).
5. Faith is living without scheming. Both Abraham and Isaac told lies about there wives – how was this a sign of unbelief? What can we learn from their experiences?
6. Why would God bless people who live less than perfect lives? What principle governs His relationship with us His children? (Grace!)
7. Isaac received his father’s inheritance and dug his father’s wells – yet he also dug his own wells and found water for himself. In terms of our relationship with Christ – can we rely on the faith of others?
Reflective questions:
8. What one thing did you learn from the life of Isaac?
9. What wells in your life have been filled in by the enemy? What do you need to dig out in order to receive God’s abundance once again?
10. Has God spoken to you / challenged you this week? What will be your response?

Andy Bissex, 9 July 2006

Hungry for God - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 19:00:00 GMT

The faithfulness of God - Genesis and today - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Cell Group Questions. The Faithfulness of God

1. There are people who have not experienced God’s faithfulness in certain situations in their lives. Un-answered prayers, suffering, illness and death, unemployment, social injustice, wars and famine, the Holocaust, millions of believers in concentration camps, persecuted and killed throughout the centuries. How would you explain the faithfulness of God to them?

2. Somebody told me: “I feel disappointed with God. For the last few years, God and I have not been on speaking terms. I am very upset with God and we haven’t been talking with each other for a long time.” What would you tell him / her that would help?

3. How did the apostle Paul understand God’s faithfulness in the midst of his personal sufferings, persecution and final martyrdom in Rome? Please read 2 Corinthians 11:23-30

4. Writing to a group of Christians living under persecution in Rome, Paul said: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). What is he trying to do with this verse?

5. “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20). Why did Jesus say this to his disciples?

6. Could you share with the group a situation were you have seen the faithfulness of God? And another experience where you haven’t seen it?

Roberto Elvira
2 July 2006

Hungry for God - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Salt and Light - Valentin, from 'The Way of Joy', Romania

Valentin, from 'The Way of Joy', Romania — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Matthew 5 13 – 16 Isaiah 58 6 - 11

1. Valentine talked about Light and Darkness, but is our understanding of the light and the darkness the same no matter where we live whether that is in England or in Romania? Have you ever had any experience of being in, or going to a dark place? Was God there for you at that time?
2. If you have one candle then the light can shine but if you have 20 candles then the light becomes even brighter. The danger though is that we can start to rely on the light of other people’s candles, or to just have a few very bright times on a Sunday morning. How can we be sure that our personal candle is producing light in dark places every day?
3. In Matthew 5 14 - 15 it is very clear that Jesus calls on ‘our light’ to shine out as a beacon to others. Jesus was ‘the light of the world’ and we are called to be the same and to shine the light that Jesus has placed in us into the darkness of this world. What does it say in Isaiah that will cause your light to shine and how can we practically do this? (Read Isaiah 58 7 to 11)
4. What will happen to us if we do the things in the passage?
5. Is there a connection between the Mathew 5.16 ( …‘that they may see your good deeds and praise your farther in Heaven) and the IF and THEN principle in Isaiah 58.
6. Is the desire of our heart to be walking a life as described in Mathew 5 and Isaiah 58 ? If not why not pray as a group that God will give you that passion.
7. Share as a group the one thing that God is calling you to do.

Hungry for God - Valentin

Valentin — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Wrestling with God (part 2) - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Genesis 32:22-32

- In our passage we encounter a man left alone and isolated with his fears and questions. What are the types of fears and anxieties that assault 21st century men and women today? Are they really any different from previous generations?
- Are there differences for non-Christians / Christians?
- Jacob “the deceiver” is confronted by his past – it catches him up. When God as a man wrestles with him, he begins to endeavour to hold on and not give in. For the first time in his life he battles instead of looking for an easy way out. Why do you think he responds as he does?
- Why was v27 the turning point for Jacob?
- Pride and self sufficiency can be a powerful inhibitor of God’s divine purposes – do you agree? If so why? Do you have any Biblical or personal examples?
- Jacob seeks a blessing – what might he expect from that blessing?
- Do we think God wants to bless us? If yes how might that blessing manifest?
- What blessing do you desire most in life? Is your response to cling to God and wrestle with him until you get it? Do you think you should?
- God gives Jacob a new name, marking a new beginning. He was however wounded by this encounter. What wounds do people experience from life? What do we make of Israel’s wound and what might our experiences mean for us in the light of knowing a Saviour, a wounded healer, of whom Isaiah 53 states – “…by his wounds we are healed”?

Hungry for God - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 19:00:00 GMT

The call of and covenant with Abraham - Ray Lockhart

Ray Lockhart — Sun, 28 May 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 28 May 2006 19:00:00 GMT

'The God who sees me' - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 14 May 2006 10:30:00 GMT

‘Images of God’ (Gen 2 & 3) – recap; God as

„± potter (2. 7)
„± midwife (2. 7)
„± gardener (Gen 2. 8)
„± craftsman (2. 21, 22)
„± matchmaker (2. 22)
„± tailor (3. 21)
„± exile (3. 23)

Genesis 16 – The Story of Hagar

„± human impatience – can we force God’s hand?
„± human cruelty – can we force one another?
„± human despair – Hagar flees

„± Divine patience – the Angel of the Lord
„± Divine compassion – the God who sees me
„± Divine hope – Hagar returns

The pattern of Jesus –

„± after the Resurrection
„± ‘as one who serves …’

For further thought

1 Abraham & Sarai were not content to wait for God to fulfil his promise. Instead, they tried to make the promise come true in their own way. Has this ever been true of me? What was the result of my impatience?

2 How do we treat those who serve us? At work, at school, in shops, in the home … Do we ‘ill-treat’ them? Do we ‘see’ them? What might change as a result of understanding that our God is one who ‘sees’ those we ignore?

3 Have I ever felt despair? Have I ever run away from anything? Am I running now, far out into the desert? Or am I slumped, too exhausted to move?

4 Do I truly believe that God sees me? That he is patient enough to follow me out into the desert places? And that he likes what he sees enough to want my restoration, my salvation?

5 Am I the recipient of Divine hope? How can I pass that on to others?

6 What does the way Jesus spent his Resurrection day teach me about priorities, and the use of my time?

7 If Jesus came among us as one who serves, what should my life look like tomorrow?

Hungry for God - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 14 May 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Noah (Genesis 5 - 9) - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 07 May 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Cell Group questions
Genesis 6 & 9:12-17

1. It is estimated by Scientists that a “bird flu” pandemic could start in two years time and as a result, between 150 / 170 million people could die world wide. How would you react to such a major world disaster? How do you think Christians would react? What about your non-Christian friends and neighbours?

2. What parallels do you find between the days of Noah and our century? (Gen. 6:11-12)
Does God’s infinite mercy have limits? (Psalm 2:12) Could we guess when the limit is getting closer?

3. Why didn’t the people in Noah’s time take him seriously? Why do you think people in our days wouldn’t take us seriously if we told them about God’s Day of Judgement?

4. Jesus told His disciples while sitting on the Mount of Olives that this would be the attitude of many before His return. What is Jesus’ advice to Christians in our generation and why? (Read Matthew 24:36-42)

5. Should the Church and individual Christians be more prophetic on this issue? What do you think is stopping us? What can we do to become more prophet-like in our time?

6. What is a Covenant and how does it work? (9:12)

Hungry for God - Don Latham

Don Latham — Sun, 07 May 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Don Latham

Don Latham — Sun, 23 Apr 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 26 Mar 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Practising the prophetic - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Practising the prophetic

Prophecy is a ‘big umbrella’. It covers a wide range of ministry that expresses God’s revelation to the World.

Prophecy in the Old Testament Age was mediated through a prophet, who may have had a school of disciples but could operate in quite an autonomous way, accountable to God alone.

Prophecy in the New Testament is through a prophetic people where the prophetic colours all of us and is something we are all encouraged to seek.

Four levels of Prophecy

1. Ecstatic e.g. 1 Sam 10 v 5

2. Inspirational e.g. 1 Corinthians 14 v 4

3. Revelatory e.g. Acts 11 v 28

4. Directive pronouncement / authorative foundations (scripture)

e.g. Acts 5 v 9/2 Peter 20 & 21 (usually linked to prophetic or apostolic office)

There is clearly an increase in prophetic weight and responsibility at each of these levels.

Some thoughts and questions…

· What do you understand by the word “prophecy”?

· Read 1 Corinthians 14 – Why does Paul believe it of particular importance to eagerly desire or pursue the gift of prophecy?

· Can we honestly say that we are personally obeying this imperative?

· How might we therefore respond to this command? Practical ideas?

· John 10 talks of the Shepherd and how we, His sheep,’ hear and know his voice. Many Christians often struggle with this concept. How does God speak to you? How can you identify God’s voice from the multitude of other “voices” we hear? Share your experiences with the group.

· Read 1 Thes 5:19-21,,, what might the writer mean? How might we put out the Spirit’s fire? Can we be guilty of that in our own lives? In the church? In the city? In the nation?

· We are told to test everything – how practically should we do that?

· Will I commit to earnestly seek to hear God more this week, not just for my benefit but also to “edify” others?

Growing, serving, giving - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 18:30:00 GMT

SERMON NINE: Growing, Serving, Giving

(Paul Langham 12 March 2006)

Healthy things grow

The seven characteristics of healthy things

1 Movement

Nicodemus – John 3. 1 – 21; 7. 45 – 52; 19. 38 – 42

2 Respiration

‘Breathe on me, breath of God’ (Gen 2. 7; Job 27. 3; 32. 8; 33. 4; Lam 4. 20; Ezek 37. 1 – 14; John 20. 22)

3 Sensitivity

‘Here is a boy …’ – John 6. 9; Gal 5. 25

4 Nutrition

‘Not by bread alone’ (Matt 4. 4)

5 Excretion

Matt 18. 8 – 9; Rom 6. 11 – 14; Heb 12. 1; James 1. 21

6 Reproduction

1 Cor 9. 19 – 23; Acts 8. 26 – 38

7 Growth

Eph 4. 11 – 16

Serving – ‘serve one another in love’ (Gal 5. 13)

Giving – ‘first to the Lord and then to us’ (2 Cor 8 & 9)

Questions for further thought

1 Movement

· How have you ‘moved on’ as a follower of Jesus Christ in the last week, month, year?

2 Respiration

· Read Lamentations 4. 20. In what sense is the Lord’s anointed (Jesus) your ‘very life breath? Read Ezek 37. 1 – 14. Do you need reviving by God’s Spirit?

3 Sensitivity

· Read Gal 5. 25. What does it mean to keep in step with the Spirit?

4 Nutrition

· What is feeding your soul at the moment? Share anything you have found filling with the group.

5 Excretion

· What needs cutting out of your life at the moment?

6 Reproduction

· When was the last time you led someone to faith in Jesus Christ? How many non-believing friends do you have? How often do you see them?

7 Growth

· Healthy things grow. How healthy is your walk with God today?

Serving – In what ways is the Lord asking me to serve in htcd today?

Giving – On your own, read through 2 Cor 8 & 9. Is your giving what it should be?

Practical Praying with children - Pete Oakley and Sian Hendra

Pete Oakley and Sian Hendra — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Questions for discussion in pastorates / cellgroups

1. In a conversation what do you find easier, to talk or to listen? Can you explain why? What is your main aim in praying, to talk or to listen?

2. How did you learn how to pray? If you had to teach someone i.e. children or a new Christian how to pray, what practical tactics would you use?

3. Do you believe that faith is important or an essential element in receiving an answer to your prayers?

4. Do you believe that there is any link between the power of prayer and practical obedience, and between prayer and family relationships? 1 peter ch3v7

5. What do you think it means to pray without ceasing and why does Jesus put so much emphasis on this? Will God answer more prayers if we keep his advice?

6. What percentage of your prayers have been answered positively? How do you explain those prayers that were answered negatively or not at all?

Hungry for God - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Practical Pastoral Care in busy lives - Phil Sutton

Phil Sutton — Sun, 26 Feb 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Paul Wakeley

Paul Wakeley — Sun, 19 Feb 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Ray Lockhart

Ray Lockhart — Sun, 12 Feb 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Practising the presence of Christ - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Questions for discussion in small groups can be downloaded here.

Hungry for God - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Hungry for God - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Passion, gifts and service - Mike Wortelhock

Mike Wortelhock — Sun, 22 Jan 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Vision Service - Paul Langham

Paul Langham — Sun, 15 Jan 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Cellgroup questions available to download.

Hungry for god - Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley — Sun, 15 Jan 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Walking in the spirit - Roberto Elvira

Roberto Elvira — Sun, 08 Jan 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Questions for discussion in small groups can be downloaded.